Beach and Surf

The beautiful Mediterranean blue sea against the golden granite is usually the first thing that visitors to St Ives notice as they arrive.

In fact, because of its position on its own little peninsula, St Ives is almost surrounded by the sea and has three golden sandy beaches facing different directions within a few hundred yards of one other. Within a short car journey, the choice is even better – which means that, no matter what you want from a holiday by the sea, St Ives is sure to satisfy.

ST IVES BEACHES

Porthmeor Beach is St Ives largest beach, running parallel to Harbour Beach on the other side of the town. It is a popular beach with families and surfers alike, and is home to a surf school in peak seasons, where equipment can be hired and lessons taken.

Porthmeor Beach Cafe is at the very heart of Porthmeor offering an imaginative menu of traditional and contemporary dishes, from breakfast, lunch and tapas through to evening dining, with snacks and drinks available to takeaway. Our sister site to the left of the golden sands is West Beach Bar and Café boasting an authentic street-style vibe serving quality sour-dough pizzas, healthy breakfasts, deli style lunches and a small, creative evening menu. Both of our beach-side establishments offer an alfresco dining experience catching the last evening sun whilst keeping cosy under the heated booths

Harbour Beach is a south-facing beach which sits in an enviable position in the centre of the popular resort of St Ives, Cornwall. Sheltered from the Atlantic by its harbour walls (St Ives is still a working harbour), on a fine summers day this tidal beach is a wonderful sun-trap.

Porthminster Beach is the second largest of four beaches in St Ives, Cornwall. Porthminster’s north-east-facing, crescent beach is the eastern-most of St Ives beaches. It is a large, clean, sheltered beach with excellent facilities, a short walk from the town centre.

Porthgwidden Beach is St Ives smallest beach, and sits in a sheltered location below St Ives Island, a short walk from the town centre. Porthgwidden is a popular destination for families, who are drawn to its fine, golden sands and stunning location.

ST IVES BAY AND BEYOND

A wide, sandy beach at low tide with rock pools and caves for children to explore, Gwithian Towans is a popular family destination at the mouth of the Hayle estuary near St Ives, Cornwall. Access to the beach is via sand dunes from the car park.

Godrevy Beach is the most picturesque of several beaches situated within a 3-mile stretch of ‘golden sands’ where the Hayle estuary meets St Ives Bay, Godrevy is a popular surfing beach thanks to its’ exposed position in St Ives Bay, experiencing Atlantic tidal swells.

The beautiful, mile-long sandy beach at Carbis Bay Beach is one of Cornwall’s finest and lies in a sheltered location near St Ives. Most commonly associated with the neighbouring town of St Ives, Carbis Bay is historically linked to the town of Lelant, which lies to the south of Carbis Bay.

Hayle Beaches at low tide, Hayle’s multiple beaches – Hayle Towans, Black Cliff, Mexico Towans – combine to form one vast expanse of sand which stretches several miles from the town itself to the mouth of the Hayle estuary and beyond. Because of its size, the beach rarely becomes overcrowded.

Porthkidney Sands is a north-facing beach at the mouth of the Hayle Estuary. It lies only 2 miles from the picturesque harbour town of St Ives, Cornwall. Porthkidney is a vast expanse of sands, facing Hayle Towans to the east of the estuary. At low tide the beach can stretch almost a mile out to sea.

BOAT TRIPS

St Ives
We are a family run business operating from St Ives Harbour running self drive motor boats, St Ives to Carbis Bay and return water taxi, fast rib rides, kayak hire, Godrevy Lighthouse and Hells Mouth tours as well as trips to Seal Island, and Hayle to St Ives ferry plus much more.

St Ives
We offer boat trips from the harbour at St Ives, whether it be seal watching at Seal Island, trips across the bay to the famous Godrevy Lighthouse and Hell’s Mouth, a couple of hours mackerel fishing, four hours wreck fishing, bird watching or private charters to do as you wish.

SURF SCHOOLS

St Ives
St Ives Surf School is highly regarded as one of the best places to learn to surf in Cornwall. At St Ives Surf School not only do we run fantastic surf lessons we also provide SUP, Coasteering and sea kayaking activities from our beautiful beach locations in the heart of St Ives. Our aim is to provide an unforgettable ocean experience in a fun, friendly and safe environment.